By Chioma Ezeiru :
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo has congratulated the Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Catholic Church Oko, Rev. Fr. ABC Chiegboka who marked 30th priestly ordination and 60th diamond birthday in a thanksgiving mass held in his honour.
Gov. Soludo who graced the occasion with his amiable wife Nonye Soludo and other dignitaries congratulated the celebrator on his double blessings.
According to him, “This is a special thanksgiving Mass to celebrate 30 years of an impactful life as a priest of God, service to humanity and 60th diamond birthday.”
“In Gen. 6:3 God said that his spirit shall abide in man for 120 years. Therefore, what we came here to celebrate today, is the beginning of new life. 60 years is the first half, we welcome you into the second half,” he said.
The governor also called on Ndi Anambra to take personal responsibility in curbing the menace of gully erosion which has devastated the state as well as recent flooding in which seven local governments were adversely affected.
“The environment is our personal and collective responsibility as citizens. Anambra State is the gully erosion capital of Nigeria. More than 30 percent of our land is either impaired or threatened by erosion.
“And the resources to combat the damages of this erosion is enormous and way beyond the capacity of the state government.
“With regards to environmental disaster, every hand should be on deck. We are individually responsible for the menace of gully erosion. Personal responsibility would help in curbing the damages.
“Everybody should control the flow of water from their houses and stop dumping waste in gutters and drainages as this blocks water flow,” he stressed.
However, Gov. Soludo reassured Ndi Anambra of his resolve and commitment toward actualizing his campaign promises for the citizens.
“During my campaign I said that the state had road crisis and declared a state of emergency on the roads. Within the limited resources available, we are deploying every penny to make sure that the first phase of roads awarded are completed soonest.
“So far, we have awarded about 146km of roads and hoping to reach at least 220km in the next few months.
“And the quality of roads we are designing and delivering to Ndi Anambra is such that the state has not seen before. In fact, they have given us 20 years guarantee on some of the roads,” he said.
In an interview with newsmen, the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) party flag bearer for Orumba North/South federal constituency, Mr Eric Eze, while congratulating the celebrator described him as an epitome of God’s goodness.
“This is a great celebration. He’s a testament to the fact that God rewards those who labour in His vineyard. He has come this far by the grace of God and we pray for more strength, wisdom and God’s guidance upon him.”
Mr Eze also urged Ndi Anambra to always support the state government and APGA by coming out massively to vote for the party come 2023 general elections.
Fr. Chiegboka while expressing gratitude to God Almighty for all His mercies and grace upon his life, thanked the state government, dignitaries, parishioners and friends for making out time to celebrate and join him in giving thanks to God for his priesthood and birthday anniversary.
While congratulating Soludo and his wife on their 30th marriage anniversary, the priest commended the governor for his determination toward transforming Anambra to a peaceful and liveable homeland as well as his proactive response to flood and erosion disaster in the state, urging him to relentlessly serve the people.
Fr. Chiegboka was born to the family of late Mr and Mrs Martin Chiegboka on October 15, 1962. He began his educational journey at Ikemee primary school Okpoko, Isuofia through to St. Joseph’s Major Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1986), Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port-Harcourt(1993-1996), Pontifical Lateran University, Vatican City (2003-2007) etc where he obtained different certificates and degrees.
With the above outstanding educational and pastoral experience at various levels and places, and having been installed Lector(1989), Acolyte (1990) and ordained Deacon in 1991, he was found worthy to be raised to the priesthood on August 22, 1992 by the second Substantive Bishop of Awka, Most Revd. Simon Akwali Okafor.
Fr. Chiegboka who long established his mission to be veritable resource person to the ecclesiastical and civil communities has contributed meaningfully and efficiently in both pastoral, teaching apostolate and community service.
Within the academic sector, he has groomed future priests, university students and has also risen to the apex of his teaching apostolate by acquiring Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) in Canon Law as a University Professor.
